The Senators newly-acquired defenceman acquainted himself with his new home at Scotiabank Place Tuesday morning and told reporters he's thrilled to be dealt here from Columbus Sunday in exchange for winger Nick Foligno.

"It was overwhelming a bit at first. When I first heard about it I was really excited," said Methot, an Ottawa native. "It was a surreal feeling. Growing up here, it's always been a dream of mine to play in the city.

"Just walking in the dressing room kind of gave me that weird feeling. I'm pumped."

Methot, who makes his home in Mooney's Bay, said he was caught off guard.

"I had heard a lot of rumours around free agency time regarding a lot of other teams. Ottawa is never something you really think could come true," said Methot. "Somebody sent me a text (the day he got traded) asking me if it was true and I had no idea what he was talking about."

Methot isn't sure if he'll play with Erik Karlsson, but is prepared to handle that kind of role.

"If I played with Karlsson I'd probably give him the puck most of the time," said Methot with a smile. "He's an exceptional defenceman."